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Editor’s note: All St. Paul Reads is encouragement for all to read and talk about a single book. In 2017, the event will take place on Thursday, February 9, 6-8 p.m., with dinner and discussion about Just Mercy: A story of justice and redemption by…
At first, Tom Bley, the executive director of Camp Shalom, thought that offering a camp for adults with disabilities would unnecessarily compete with the good work of Camp Courageous, a camp near Monticello, Iowa, solely for people with disabilities….
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Editor’s note: On Sunday, Jan. 29, 6:30 p.m., St. Paul will host a free viewing of Screenagers: Growing up in the digital age. It is open to the public. Watch the film, then take part in a discussion afterwards. No need to sign up, just come. Physici…
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Chris Gibney had an idea – to set up a college scholarship at Pleasant Valley High School in honor of his father- and mother-in-law. He mentioned it out loud to one other person. “The next morning my phone rang and I was off to the races.” “Pleasant…
With camera in hand, Tom Betts explores wherever he goes. Tom once had no interest in photography. But he had heard people talking about iPhones, so he decided to get one. That was in January 2012. One cool feature he discovered is that iPhones take…
A few weeks ago, I was at a bookstore with a friend. On a bottom shelf, I noticed a book about Pope Francis, “The Name of God is Mercy.” I pulled it out and opened it up. “Yes, I believe that this a time for mercy,” he says in the opening pages. “The…
By Paula Durham Christmas is full of meaningful traditions for me, but is also a time of change and newness. The Christmas stockings handmade by my Grandma for my brother and me, and the family Christmas tree ornaments were anchors through several ho…
By Jennifer Weyeneth Love is a gift of hope and safety. It is the link between the heavenly realm of abstract deity and practical earth. I found love in the northern cold winter solstice sky as the brilliant Christmas reds were reaching across the wh…
By Allison Adams I’ve been a planner all my life. Sometimes to the point where my family thinks I am going off the deep end. I love making lists and I’m the annoying person on vacations who likes to make an itinerary. I even made a packing list 3 mon…
By Kathy Bucciferro Every day is a gift, especially at this time of year! When we are in the midst of Christmas busyness, I try to see blessing in all situations. I am reminded daily that it is the little things that matter in life. My daughter Sela…
By Laura Scott It breaks my heart to know that in our community, in one of the richest nations on earth, there are kids who go to bed hungry with no winter coat or ill-fitting shoes. Among us are seniors who ask for a blanket and a stuffed animal for…
By Ralph Baechle Contemplating the “Wonders of God’s Love” is a challenge for me. My early images of God were more of one who demands things of me and not one who is also supportive. They have not been easy to shake. Growing up I remember hearing a…